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| Fasting quote. bukrate.com |
During certain Hindu festivals fasting is an integral part of a ritual commonly associated with Gods such as Vishnu, Shiva, Karthikeya (Muruga) and Goddess Lakshmi or Mariamman. From health point of view fasting or Vriata is good. The entire body including the heart takes rest. Particularly, heart and other parts of the body have been active since birth of a person, so they need a break once in a while.
What is fasting? It is a willful act refraining from eating and sometimes just drinking water and Juice). From a purely physiological context, it refers to the metabolic condition of a person who has not taken overnight or to the metabolic state achieved after complete digestion and absorption of a meal. During fasting the body undergoes several metabolic adjustments. It all depends on the duration of fasting. However, fasting state begins only after absorption of a meal (typically 3–5 hours after eating).
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| Fasting. picturequotes.com |
Fasting, a type of 'kayika (physical) ''vrita'' (vow) is an optional part of Hinduism. Contrary to many other religious fasting, in Hinduism, normally a strict diet is recommended during the fasting period as opposed to completely giving up food. The fasting may be a strict one where by the person gives up food and fluid completely. This type of fasting is done on occasions.
It is believed that fasting will help a person focus more on God, cleanse his mind and body, develop mental prowess to engage in various phases of life - sacraments called saṃskāras and concentrate on ways and means to get rid of negative forces. Saints believe fasting is one of the steps to create a link between body and soul. This blending is imperative for the nourishment of spirituality.
By way of fasting we can reduce over work to our body, gain patience, control emotional as well as mental-well being and quietly use discretionary power during hard times.
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| Gandhiji on fasting. azquotes.com |
Among fasting Shivaratri, Vaikunta Ekadasi and Puratasi virta assumes due importance. especially, the latter is observed in the Tamil month of Puratasi (September- October).
Why is Puratasi month (September 17 and ends on October 17) chosen for fasting? The traditional belief has been that God Vishnu (Lord Venkateswara /Balaji) appeared on the earth in this month. Yet another reason is Puratasi Saturdays are chosen to worship Shani Baghawan who is supposed to be a powerful planet (astrologically) causing hardship to humans who are under his spell. Fasting on Saturdays in this month will, it is believed, will reduce the bad effects on the affected people or nullify them. It is well and good if people observe partial fasting (skipping night meal) through out the month.
Further, the advantage of fasting in this month is Shani's power will be at the minimum and it is easy to please him. Lighting earthen lamps with gingerly oil or Ghee in the Navagriha shrine or at home is good to subdue the effects of Shani.
Some ardent devotees observe strict adherence to fasting on Saturdays. Not even a drop of water is taken the whole day.
Apart from taking only vegetarian food, taking head bath in the early morning is a must before starting the Vrita. For the followers of Vishnu, meditation on God Balaji is a must; so is the wearing of Thirumun (Namam- Vaishnavite religious symbol) on the forehead symbolic of total surrender to the almighty. Of course, the edit of God can never be changed, but the lord will protect those who take refuge in him.
Chanting certain mantras while on fast will help you calm you down and relax your mind; regular practice of fasting along with meditation will take you on a higher spiritual plane.
A few words of caution: Those who have diabetes severe problem or heart problem should consult a physician before opting for fasting. Continuous strict fasting more than one and half days will drastically affect the health. After prolonged fasting, if a person takes a sumptuous meal, there will be sudden gain in sugar level that might lead to health complications. In every aspect of life, moderation is a good bet.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fasting#Vedas
https://www.hindu-blog.com/2009/09/puratassi-fasting-puratasi-vratam.html
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